Magnetic helmet

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a magnetic helmet with a detectable magnetic field effective to repel a substantially similar helmet in close proximity. A helmet of the invention can be used to redirect an impending head collision, reduce the force of impact upon a head collision or prevent a head collision among wearers of the helmet thereby reducing injuries.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional applications61/781,417, filed Mar. 14, 2013, and 61/938,678, filed Feb. 11, 2014,the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Sports-related injuries to the scalp, skull or brain can occur when twoathletes collide in the field. Such injuries can lead to permanentdisability or death. Yet head-to-head tactics such as butt-blocking,face tackling or spearing tackles that make the head the initial andprimary contact point with an opposing player frequently occur infootball. And it is common for players to lower their heads and use thecrown of their helmets to strike a blow against an opponent on thefield. These tactics lead to increased risk of brain injuries amongfootball players at the college and professional level, as well as amongchildren and teenangers who are involved in this sport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a magnetic helmet that can redirect the force orreduce the force of impact between two individuals wearing the helmetwhen a head-to-head collision between the individuals is likely.

In one aspect, the invention provides a helmet having a magneticmaterial that generates a detectable magnetic field when a substantiallysimilar helmet is brought in proximity, the magnetic field beingdetectable through a repulsive force between the two helmets.

In one aspect, the invention provides a helmet that includes a magneticmaterial that generates a detectable magnetic field when a substantiallysimilar helmet is brought in proximity, wherein the magnetic field isdetectable through a repulsive force between the two helmets, andwherein the magnetic material includes one or more discrete magnetsdetachably secured to select locations on the helmet. In someembodiments, the one or more discrete magnets are secured using anadhesive, hook and loop fastener or snapfit mechanism. In someembodiments, the one or more discrete magnets are disposed at one ormore sections of the helmet that engage the top, crown, side, templeoccipital bone, nape, parietal ridge or any combination thereof of thewearer's head. In some embodiments, the north pole of each of thediscrete magnets is oriented outwardly from the helmet such that thesouth poles are oriented into the cavity of the helmet towards thewearer's head. In some embodiments, the south pole of each of thediscrete magnets is oriented outwardly from the helmet such that thenorth poles are oriented into the cavity of the helmet twards thewearer's head. In some embodiments, the magnetic material includes analnico or ferrite composite. In some embodiments, the magnetic materialincludes a rare earth element. In some embodiments, the magneticmaterial includes samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron.

In another aspect, the invention provides a helmet that includes amagnetic material that generates a detectable magnetic field when asubstantially similar helmet is brought in proximity, wherein themagnetic field is detectable through a repulsive force between the twohelmets, and wherein the magnetic material is a coating disposed on theexterior surface of the helmet, and wherein the magnetic coatingincludes about 70% to about 95% by weight of a magnetic particle andabout 5% to about 20% by weight of a polymeric binder. In someembodiments, the magnetic particle includes an alnico or ferritecomposite. In some embodiments, the magnetic particle includes a rareearth element. In some embodiments, the magnetic particle includessamarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the polymeric binder is a thermoplastic material.

In another aspect, the invention provides a helmet that includes amagnetic material that generates a detectable magnetic field when asubstantially similar helmet is brought in proximity, wherein themagnetic field is detectable through a repulsive force between the twohelmets, and wherein the magnetic material is embedded in the outershell of the helmet, and wherein the magnetic material comprisessamarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, or any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the magnetic material is further embedded or coated onthe facemask of the helmet. In some embodiments, the magnetic materialsgenerate a magnetic field substantially uniform across the surface ofthe helmet. In some embodiments, the magnetic materials generate amagnetic field of about 1 tesla to about 15 teslas.

In one aspect, the invention provides a sports helmet that has of amagnetic material that generates a magnetic field effective to repel asubstantially similar helmet so as to prevent contact of the two helmetsor reduce the impact on contact of the two helmets relative to thatwhich would occur in the absence of the magnetic material. In someembodiments, the magnetic material in the helmet is one or more discretemagnet disposed so that the north pole of each is oriented outwardlyfrom the helmet so as to generate the magnetic field. In someembodiments, the one or more discrete magnets are secured to theexterior surface of the helmet. In some embodiments, the one or morediscrete magnets are secured to the exterior surface of the helmet usingan adhesive. In some embodiments, the discrete magnets are removablysecured to the exterior surface of the helmet using a fastener. In someembodiments, the each of the discrete magnets is embedded in the helmetthrough a snap-fit recess in the shell of the helmet. In someembodiments, each of the discrete magnets is embedded in the helmet. Insome embodiments, the one or more discrete magnets are disposed in thesection of the helmet that engages the top of the wearer's head. In someembodiments, the one or more discrete magnets are disposed in one ormore sections of the helmet that engage the top, crown, side, templeoccipital bone, nape, parietal ridge or any combination thereof of thewearer's head. In some embodiments, the magnetic material is an alnicoor ferrite composite. In some embodiments, the magnetic materialincludes a rare earth element. In some embodiments, the magneticmaterial includes samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron. In someembodiments, the magnetic material is a coating on the exterior surfaceof the shell of the helmet. In some embodiments, the magnetic coatingincludes about 70% to about 95% by weight of a magnetic particle andabout 5% to about 20% by weight of a polymeric binder. In someembodiments, the magnetic particle includes neodymium, a rare earthelement, samarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the polymeric binder is a thermoplasticmaterial. In some embodiments, the helmet includes an outer shell thatincludes the magnetic material. In some embodiments, the outer shellincludes neodymium. In some embodiments, the outer shell includes athermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the one or more discretemagnets are detachably secured to the outer shell. In some embodiments,the one or more discrete magnets are secured to the outer shell througha hook and loop fastener or a snap fit mechanism. In some embodiments,the magnetic materials generate a magnetic field substantially uniformacross the surface of the helmet. In some embodiments, the magneticmaterials generate a magnetic field of about 1 tesla to about 15 teslas.

Any feature or combination of features described herein are includedwithin the scope of the present invention provided that the featuresincluded in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as willbe apparent from the context, this specification and the knowledge ofone of ordinary skill in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, thepresent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and notintended to be limiting. Although methods and materials similar orequivalent to those described herein can be used to practice theinvention, suitable methods and materials are described below.

All patents and publications referenced or mentioned herein areindicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to whichthe invention pertains, and each such referenced patent or publicationis hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had beenincorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forthherein in its entirety. Applicants reserve the right to physicallyincorporate into this specification any and all materials andinformation from any such cited patents or publications.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side view of a football helmet in which the shell is coatedwith a magnetic material that generates a magnetic field surrounding theshell.

FIG. 2 is side view of a football helmet constructed with a plurality ofmagnets spaced apart and disposed on the body of the helmet so as togenerate a magnetic field surrounding the helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the discovery that a magnetic material can beincorporated into a helmet so as to prevent or reduce the impact of headcollisions. The invention provides a helmet constructed to include amagnetic material capable of generating a magnetic field effective torepel a substantially similar helmet, thereby enabling two or morehelmet wearers to avoid head collision or reduce impact of a collisionwhen they are in proximity. The magnetic material can be a magneticlayer, as well as one or more discrete magnets so long as the magneticmaterials in the helmet are aligned to achieve a like-polarity system.

The term “like-polarity system,” as used in reference to a helmet of theinvention, means a helmet in which a substantial portion of the magneticparticles in the helmet are align so that their south poles are orientedin a similar direction, i.e. either radiating outwardly from the helmetor into the cavity of the helmet towards the wearer's head, and theirnorth poles are oriented in the other direction, so that a net magneticforce can be detected. As such, a repulsive force can be detected whentwo or more helmets having similar like-polarity systems are inproximity.

Two helmets have similar like-polarity systems if a substantial portionof the magnetic particles on one helmet is oriented in the samedirection as a substantial portion of the magnetic particles on theother helmet. For example, two helmets of the invention have similarlike-polarity systems if, in both helmets, a substantial portion of themagnetic particles is aligned so the south poles are oriented outwardlyfrom the helmet (and their north poles are directed inwardly into thecavity of the helmet towards the wearer's head). Similarly, two helmetsof the invention also have similar like-polarity systems if, in bothhelmets, a substantial portion of the magnetic particles is aligned sothe north poles are oriented outwardly from the helmet (and their southpoles are directed inwardly into the cavity of the helmet towards thewearer's head). Thus, if a substantial portion of the magnetic particleson two or more helmets is aligned so their south poles are orientedoutwardly from the helmets (and their north poles are directed into thecavity of the helmet towards the wearer's head), the helmets havesimilar like-polarity systems. And similarly, if a substantial portionof the magnetic particles on two or more helmets is aligned so theirnorth poles are oriented outwardly from the helmets (and their southpoles are directed into the cavity of the helmet towards the wearer'shead), the two or more helmets have similar like-polarity systems.Helmets that have similar like-polarity systems exert detectablemagnetic replusive forces when in proximity. As such, helmets that havesimilar like-polarity systems can be worn during a sporting event to toredirect a collision or reduce the force of impact that can occur duringa collision thereby reducing the severity of injury.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two embodiments of the invention. Helmet 10illustrated in FIG. 1 has an outer shell that includes magnetic layer 20disposed on the body of the helmet, while helmet 100 illustrated in FIG.2 is constructed with a plurality of discrete magnet 30 disposed atselect positions on the body of the helmet to achieve a like-polaritysystem. For example, each discrete magnet 30 on helmet 100 can beoriented so that its south pole is directed outwardly from the helmetand its north pole is directed inwardly into the cavity of the helmettoward the wearer's head. Alternatively, each discrete magnet 30 can beoriented so that its north pole is directed outwardly from the helmetand its south pole is directed inwardly into the cavity of the helmettoward the wearer's head. The like-polarity system allows two or moresimilar helmets, i.e. helmets that have similar like-polarity systems,to repel when in close proximity, thereby redirecting a likely collisionor reducing the force of impact between wearers of the helmets. As suchwearers of the helmets can avoid head collision or reduce injury where acollision does occur when in close proximity such as during a sportevent.

Magnetic materials that can be used in a helmet of the invention includeferromagnetic and ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic materials that canbe used in a helmet of the invention include materials such asmagnetized iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys, rare earth metals suchas neodymium, samarium-cobalt and yttrium cobalt (YCo₅),naturally-occurring minerals such as lodestone. Magnetic materials thatcan be used in a helmet of the invention also include ferrites andmagnetic garnets including magnetite (iron oxide), yttrium iron garnet(YIG), cubic ferrites composed of iron oxides and aluminum, cobalt,nickel, manganese and zinc, as well as hexagonal ferrites such asPbFe₁₂O₉ and BaFe₁₂O₉ and pyrrhotite. Non-limiting examples of mangetsthat can be used include neodymium magnets and samarium magnets such asneodymium iron boron magnets (NdFeB, NIB) and samarium cobalt magnets(SmCo), ferrites such as strontium-iron, and alnicos such asaluminum-nickel-cobalt, or any combination thereof.

Any magnetic material can be used in a helmet of the invention so longas the material can generate a detectable magnetic force whenincorporated into a helmet—as determined when two or more similarhelmets are in close proximity. As used herein, helmets are similar ifthey have similar like-polarity systems. The repulsive force can bedetected using a gaussmeter or by bringing two similar helmets in closeproximity. The magnetic material can have a field strength between about1 tesla to about 15 tesla, or more than 15 tesla. For example, themagnetic material in a helmet of the invention can have a field strengthof about 1 tesla, 2 tesla, about 3 tesla, about 4 tesla, about 5 tesla,about 6 tesla, about 7 tesla, about 8 tesla, about 9 tesla about 10tesla, about 11 tesla, about 12 tesla, about 13 tesla, about 14 tesla,about 15 tesla or more than about 15 tesla. The magnets can have a pullforce between about 1 lb to about 250 lbs, for example, about 2 lbs,about 3 lbs, about 4 lbs, about 5 lbs, about 6 lbs, about 7 lbs, about 8lbs, about 9 lbs, about 10 lbs, about 20 lbs, about 30 lbs, about 40lbs, about 50 lbs, about 60 lbs, about 70 lbs, about 80 lbs or more than5 about 80 lbs.

Where a helmet of the invention includes a magnetic layer, the layer canbe a coating on the exterior, interior or both exterior and interior ofthe helmet. The coating can be disposed on the entire surface of thehelmet or at select locations, for example, on the side, back, top,crown of the helmet, on the facemask, or any combination thereof.Alternatively, the helmet including shell or facemask can includemagnetic particles or discrete magnets distributed within the structureof the shell or facemask, e.g. embedded within the shell or facemask orattached to its surface.

Where a helmet of the invention includes discrete magnets, one or moremagnets, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more than 10magnets can be used. The helmet can have one or more discrete magneticdiscs embedded within the helmet or attached to its surface in selectpositions on the helmet using an adhesive such as epoxy, fasteners suchas hook and loop fasterners, or through a snapfit mechanism. Thus, themagnetic material can be incorporated into the helmet, for example, intothe shell of the helmet or embedded within the padding or foam lining orpads of the helmet and would not be visible to the user. The magneticmaterial can be incorporated into the helmet during an injection moldingprocess by adding magnetic particles or one or more discrete magnetsinto the liquid mold. The magnetic material can be incorporated into thehelmet by applying a coating on the interior or exterior surfaces of thehelmet, on the entire helmet or at select positions on the body orfacemask of the helmet. The helmet can have a skin or shell liningcomposed of a magnetic sheet, i.e. one or more surfaces of the helmet islined or coated with a magnetic material.

A helmet of the invention can be produced using methods and materialsknown to those of skill in the art. A helmet of the invention can bemade of thermoplastic material or hard plastic and can also include foamor rubber. A helmet of the invention can be made of polycarbonate,polypropylene, polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, high-grade fiberglass,resin, steel, carbon fiber, velvet, suede, leather, or any combinationthereof.

Methods of forming magnetic coatings are known to those of skill in theart, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,128, 798. Methods of forming amagnetic helmet of the invention include injection molding, see forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,324. By including a magnetic material,particles or discrete magnets, in the conventional process for moldingthe helmet, a magnetic helmet of the invention can be produced. Morespecifically, a mold for the helmet can be formed, the mold beingconfigured to accommodate insertion of one or more magnets at selectlocations and alignment/orientation within the mold, then the helmet isformed using conventional process including, for example, injectionmolding using the materials described above including polycarbonate,polycarbonate alloy or carbon fibre. Alternatively, one or more magnetscan be inserted into drilled holes in a molded helmet.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the detaileddescription, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and notlimit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of theclaims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within thescope of the following claims.

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use ofsuch terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the featuresshown and described or portions thereof. Thus, it will be understoodthat although the present invention has been specifically disclosed bypreferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variationof the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled inthe art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. Inaddition, the invention has been described broadly and genericallyherein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings fallingwithin the generic disclosure also form part of the invention.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Under no circumstances may the patent application beinterpreted to be limited to the specific examples or embodiments ormethods specifically disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet comprising a magnetic material thatgenerates a detectable magnetic field when a substantially similarhelmet is brought in proximity, wherein the magnetic field is detectablethrough a repulsive force between the two helmets, and wherein themagnetic material comprises one or more discrete magnets detachablysecured to select locations on the helmet.
 2. The helmet of claim 1,wherein the one or more discrete magnets are secured using an adhesive,hook and loop fastener or snapfit mechanism.
 3. The helmet of claim 1,wherein the one or more discrete magnets are disposed at one or moresections of the helmet that engage the top, crown, side, templeoccipital bone, nape, parietal ridge or any combination thereof of thewearer's head.
 4. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the north pole of eachof the discrete magnets is oriented outwardly from the helmet such thatthe south poles are oriented into the cavity of the helmet towards thewearer's head.
 5. The helmet of any one of claims 4, wherein themagnetic material comprises an alnico or ferrite composite.
 6. Thehelmet of any one of claims 4, wherein the magnetic material comprises arare earth element.
 7. The helmet of any one of claims 4, wherein themagnetic material comprises samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron. 8.The helmet of claim 1, wherein the south pole of each of the discretemagnets is oriented outwardly from the helmet such that the north polesare oriented into the cavity of the helmet twards the wearer's head. 9.The helmet of any one of claims 8, wherein the magnetic materialcomprises an alnico or ferrite composite.
 10. The helmet of any one ofclaims 8, wherein the magnetic material comprises a rare earth element.11. The helmet of any one of claims 8, wherein the magnetic materialcomprises samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron-boron.
 12. A helmetcomprising a magnetic material that generates a detectable magneticfield when a substantially similar helmet is brought in proximity,wherein the magnetic field is detectable through a repulsive forcebetween the two helmets, and wherein the magnetic material is a coatingdisposed on the exterior surface of the helmet, and wherein the magneticcoating comprises about 70% to about 95% by weight of a magneticparticle and about 5% to about 20% by weight of a polymeric binder. 13.The helmet of any one of claims 12, wherein the magnetic particlecomprises an alnico or ferrite composite.
 14. The helmet of any one ofclaims 12, wherein the magnetic particle comprises a rare earth element.15. The helmet of claim 12, wherein the magnetic particle comprisessamarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, or any combination thereof. 16.The helmet of claim 12, wherein the polymeric binder is a thermoplasticmaterial.
 17. A helmet comprising a magnetic material that generates adetectable magnetic field when a substantially similar helmet is broughtin proximity, wherein the magnetic field is detectable through arepulsive force between the two helmets, and wherein the magneticmaterial is embedded in the outer shell of the helmet, and wherein themagnetic material comprises samarium-cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, orany combination thereof.
 18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein themagnetic material is further embedded or coated on the facemask of thehelmet.
 19. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the magnetic materialsgenerate a magnetic field substantially uniform across the surface ofthe helmet.
 20. The helmet of claim 17, wherein the magnetic materialsgenerate a magnetic field of about 1 tesla to about 15 tesla.